Whitey Morgan and the 78’s Release ‘Sonic Ranch’ May 19th

Whitey Morgan and the 78’s will release their new album ‘Sonic Ranch’ on May 19 on Whitey’s own imprint, Whitey Morgan Music. Called “rough-hewn and outlaw influenced” by Rolling Stone, the Flint, Michigan native practically bleeds into each of the album’s 10 tracks, resulting in a rough-and-tumble honky-tonk noir song collection.

Recorded at Sonic Ranch in Texas with producer Ryan Hewitt (The Avett Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Sonic Ranch‘s fighting spirit reflects Morgan’s childhood. “I got my ass kicked on a daily basis and fought like hell each and every time. A growth spurt eventually put a stop to all of that.” Morgan witnessed the toll the city’s troubled economy had on the people closest to him and informs his musical stylings. “Growing up in Flint ignited the ‘never give up’ attitude I apply to every part of my life. That’s what you learn when you grow up in that town. You also learn that you don’t take sh*t from anyone, ever.”

Perhaps it’s what made Whitey “partial to the outlaw branch of country music, and unapologetic in his rendition of it,” (Boston Globe) evident on tracks including the album’s imposing opener “Me And The Whiskey” and formidable “Aint’ Gonna Take It Anymore.” Yet the artist who learned his first chords from his grandfather — a life-long bluegrass picker – reveals depth and sensitivity on originals, “Leavin’ Again” and “Good Timin’ Man.”

Whitey’s musical inspirations include Jennings, Cash and Paycheck, “I just always dug that sound. It was easy to grab onto those half-time grooves, and the more hard-hitting stuff, because I’d come from playing more rock & roll-type things.” There is also an excellent version of “Waitin’ ‘Round To Die” by Townes Van Zandt. Check out the video below :